Despite being one of the greatest goalkeepers in the Premier League era, Petr Cech has been slammed by Arsenal fans non-stop. One big reason for this is his struggles with stop penalties in a Gunners jersey.
However, that awful run finally came to an end in Sunday’s clash with Watford. The north London side, having lost their last three league games, welcomed the Hornets to the Emirates in an attempt to return to winning ways.
With Wenger’s men already 2-0 up, the away side was awarded a 62nd-minute spot kick. Troy Deeney stepped up to convert the penalty but saw his effort saved by the veteran custodian.
Astonishingly, this was the Czech ace’s first penalty save since February 2011. However, the fact that he spent the majority of his last season at Chelsea on the bench contributed to that awful run.
His save was all the more special as it helped Cech register an impressive feat. With the game ending 3-0 thanks to the 35-year-old, he became the first Premier League shot-stopper to record 200 clean sheets.
200 - Petr Cech is the first goalkeeper in Premier League history to keep 200 clean sheets, with 38 of those coming for current club Arsenal (162 for Chelsea). Guardian. pic.twitter.com/Nr6TAU1V7p
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 11, 2018
The victory was also a special one for Mesut Ozil. The German set up Mustafi’s opening goal, becoming the quickest player in English top-flight history to reach 50 assists. The World Cup winner needed only 141 games, surpassing Eric Cantona’s previous record of 143 matches.
RECORD: Mesut Ozil (141 games) has now become the fastest player to record 50 assists in the Premier League, breaking Eric Cantona’s previous record (143 games).
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 11, 2018
Lightning quick. pic.twitter.com/AXQcD8RyVY
These two records did not go unnoticed on Twitter. Check out the best tweets below.
Fastest to #PL assists:
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 11, 2018
MESUT OZIL (141 matches)
Eric Cantona (143 matches)
Dennis Bergkamp (146 matches)
Cesc Fabregas (165 matches)
David Silva (166 matches) pic.twitter.com/Cz6Pi0H7wh
Petr Cech becomes the 1st goalkeeper to record 200 PL clean sheets, over 13 years after his first, on debut for Chelsea v Man Utd in August 2004 pic.twitter.com/GsC3VK62H3
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) March 11, 2018
200 Premier League clean sheets for Petr Cech. Magnificent achievement which has been a long time coming. Undoubtedly one of the PL's all-time great goalkeepers. pic.twitter.com/OzDszF776O
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) March 11, 2018
Troy Deeney's penalty was the 16th that Petr Cech has faced for #Arsenal in all competitions... and the first one he's saved.#ARSWAT pic.twitter.com/XCDSfgxraN
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 11, 2018
No doubt that Petr Cech has the "cojones!" Good penalty save from Deeney - ARS 2-0 WAT
— Jim White (@JimWhite) March 11, 2018
Petr Cech has just saved his first penalty in an Arsenal shirt #afc pic.twitter.com/LvBJlA9Xqg
— CÖME ÖN ARSENAL⚪ (@davidhickman14) March 11, 2018
Petr Cech has saved a penalty for Arsenal pic.twitter.com/B781IC9A5E
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) March 11, 2018
Petr Cech's first penalty save for Arsenal at the 16th attempt. pic.twitter.com/gJA3XtHiSW
— ArsenalFanTV (@ArsenalFanTV) March 11, 2018